Though 77 percent of Iowans are Christian, the idea of connecting Christ with yoga is relatively novel in a state where most yoga is taught from a secular perspective. Teachers in Newton, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City now teach Bible-focused classes at affordable rates.

There are many paths in yoga, but they share common, historically rooted, spiritually oriented terms. From om to namaste, karma to dharma, understanding the language of yoga may help shed light on your own practice.

Kino MacGregor teaches Ashtanga yoga to a worldwide audience through her popular social media channels, yoga DVDs, vlogs and four published books. She also co-founded OmStars, a subscription-based streaming service offering video courses from 20 yoga stars. Originally from Miami, MacGregor now travels the globe leading classes honoring both traditional and contemporary ideas of yoga.

With around 150 teas available and staff on hand to help customers shift through the offerings, the East Village tea shop provides a chance to make a conscious decision to slow down and savor the moment.

The first glimpse of light rose above the clouds in a dark pink hue. My eyes watered from the wind, from the cold, from the adjustment to the new light — from the sheer awe of it all. There I was at the highest point in Africa, in the midst of a dream turned reality.